Research Program & Areas of Specialization
Plant Tissue Culture, Micropropagation, Cryopreservation, Conservation, and Molecular Biology: The Ornamental Horticulture research program at TREC focuses on tissue culture of ornamental plants of commercial value, including orchids, palms, tropical trees, and native species within these categories. The inherent characteristics of South Florida and the delicate ecosystem in this region provides opportunities to explore research beyond production and includes a conservation component. The program also incorporates the use of cryopreservation and molecular biology (molecular markers and genetic engineering ) as tools to address production and conservation aspects of ornamental plants.
Orchid Production, Micropropagation, Conservation, and Cryopreservation: In 2001 we initiated at TREC the development of a teaching and research program focusing on orchids. Orchid production became a major area for research due to the large number of orchid nurseries in South Florida, the increased popularity and increasing demand of orchids by the market in the United States. We have also included a conservation component to our research program by using cryopreservation for the long-term storage and germplasm conservation of orchid seed and pollen, and addressing studies on in vitro germination and ecotype evaluation of native orchid species. We also support the Orchid Conservation Coalition, a grassroots organization made up of people, orchid societies, and orchid businesses dedicated to raising awareness and money for orchid conservation through their trademark-licensing program, 1% for Orchid Conservation. For more information, visit the 1% FOC website.
Biofuels: We have started a project to elucidate cultivation practices, propagation techniques, breeding, and an economic assessment of Jatropha curcas as a potential alternative energy crop for South Florida. Jatropha is a tropical non-food alternative crop that produces seed, which contain oil of high quality for use as biodiesel. Our project is funded by the Farm to Fuel Program of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. We have also partnered with Vecenergy, the biofuel division of the Vecellio group and Florida International University to further investigate the use of Jatropha biodiesel in diverse vehicles and engines, including the potential for use in jet fuel mixes.
Microgravity and Space Biology: More recently we expanded our research program beyond earth boundaries (literally). We have sent cell supensions of two flowering trees, Dwarf Poinciana (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia aurea) to space to verify the effects of microgravity on cell growth and development. We have observed a different pattern of growth and development in space, in which cells clumps were more evident, growing in a 3-D fashion. Future experiments aim to evaluate potential changes in cell ulstrastructure and differential gene expression.
Tropical Trees: In Vitro Germination, Micropropagation, Space Studies: South Florida offers an ideal site for the growth and cultivation of tropical trees, including flowering species that have high commercial value and are highly desirable in landscape designs. We have studied the clonal propagation of Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) using somatic embryogenesis, including developmental studies on somatic embryos of Royal Poinciana 'Yellow Kampong', a spectacular tree with bright yellow flowers. We also evaluated the growth of cell suspension cultures of the Dwarf Poinciana (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and the Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia aurea) under microgravity.